Under a cloud

Life has been throwing one thing after another at me recently, and I must admit, I have been letting the clouds whoosh over me without seeing any silver linings.

Last week I had to say goodbye to my other Nana – Nana Lennox. She was 90, and had been ill, but it’s never easy to say goodbye. Nana Lennox was a big inspiration to me – this is a lady who decided to go back to Scotland, aged 90, and against all advice, to spend christmas with her sister. Although we weren’t close and I didn’t see her much, I will miss her. The world could do with more people like her.

The ‘great storm of perth’ sent me into a spin, with storm water rushing in my front door uninvited. It made itself at home in my loungeroom carpet, and had the grand tour of my house while it was at it. Fortunately I managed to save all the electrical stuff and furniture and the only casualty was our carpet. We’re living in the ‘renovators dream home’ at the moment, with very classy concrete floors and a still unfinished kitchen.
Oh, if only ‘when it rains, it rains pennies from heaven’ was true!

In short, things haven’t been easy, but I suppose that’s what makes life interesting.

In other news, I’ve been doing a little bit of painting and drawing lately. After seeing the amazing stuff Mum has been creating, and getting a few tips and mini classes from her I’ve been trying my hand at some faces. I’ve got a long way to go, but I’m reasonable happy with my progress so far. I never did art at school or anything like that (too much of a drama queen!) and always thought that being a ‘real artist who can paint real things etc etc’ was out of my reach. Well it’s not. Not for me or anyone. It’s just a matter of developing skill and practice and patience.

Patience is one of the things I definitely need to work on. Even working with acrylics, waiting for one layer to dry before I add the next one is excruciating. Not to mention the building up of layer after layer – not something I’m great at. I whinge every time I realise it needs another shading layer, but can always see the difference that it makes when it’s done.

Speaking of layers, this one could do with a few more. I painted her last night, and I’m not finished with her yet – but knowing me she’ll stay like this for a while. I’m building quite a collection of ‘not quite finished’ projects!

This little girl was my first experiment with artist quality watercolour pencils. I claimed a set of Prismacolours from the shop before our big sale – the tin was a bit dented and I couldn’t bear to see them go out the door for less than we paid for them! (Is that justified enough!?)

Love your opening sentence: “I’m still here, every once in a while.”
It’s hard to put your life out there and suspect that people are visiting, perhaps even enjoying, your contributions to the human race, and yet hearing the great echoing sound of… nothing. Except your friend from when you were six, and maybe your Mum.
So sorry to hear of your Nana. And your water. But NOT sorry you found those Prismacolors in your hands, no matter what the reason.
Keep drawing!

Hi Bec, I followed this link from your mum’s FB page and I think ur work is lovely 🙂 Remember art (painting is this case) is expression, a language written with paint and a brush…write what u will!! (A little tip…when I paint with acrylics and am working with layers…I use a hairdryer!! – gently of course). Just a thought 🙂
Best of luck with it all – happy “writing” XX

hey bec,
i was so sorry to hear about your nana. she sounds VERY cool, to say the least! ..and relieved that you managed to save most everything from your flood!! WHEW ~ that’s alot for anyone’s to handle… so thank goodness for art!

i must say, these are two really SUPER first attempts and i’m impressed by your “natural flair” for drawing. If you keep at it, I will too because I’ve been away from it too long (beginer, here). you inspired me tonight.